“Healthy feathers are a top priority for birds as this ensures their long term survival, and their ability to attract a mate for procreation. “Bills are used to preen their feathers, as their forelimbs have been adapted to wings. “Bills … Continued
How the barbet chicks were growing inside the holed-out, nesting cavity of Blowfish and Goggle-Eye was beyond every reader’s view. The only time to catch a glimpse of the nestlings was when they crawled to the edge, on those small … Continued
Generally, resident and territorial birds have their own favourite perches and the Coppersmith Barbets (Megalaima haemacephala) are no different. Nightshift bird on ending shift darted off and headed for its favourite perch- the Albizia (Paraserianthes falcataria) tree and wasted no … Continued
It is going to be a long day for Dayshift bird. Change of shift duties was observed to be carried out by the parenting pair only in the mornings. That means each parent bird is putting in a 24hour shift … Continued
Early morning rise is always a good time to observe daytime birds as they begin their day activities. Observe where they perch and roost, what they feed on, when they poo, colour of their plumages, dramatic features, how they socialise, … Continued
Been down quaint alleyways and watched tradesmen of sorts busy fashioning wares with their tampering tools skilfully? Hear the rhythmic sounds of, ‘tok tok tok’ as the tinsmiths/coppersmiths’ hammers kissed their wares sorely hard? That is precisely the loud and … Continued
At 23cm, the Red-throated Barbet (Megalaima mystacophamos) can be considered medium in size as compared to the smallest 17cm barbet in the SEA Megalaimidae family. The male species wears one of the most colourful head gear and is not so … Continued
At 30cm, the residential Gold-whiskered Barbet (Megalaima chrysopogon) is one of the largest of Megalaimidae’s 16 species of South East Asian barbets. Their rapid ‘tehoop-tehoop-tehoop- tehoop’ extraordinary loud, hollow calls often betray their presence – otherwise well camouflaged by their … Continued
Like most barbets, the Red-crowned Barbet (Megalaima rafflesii) is brightly coloured (left top). It has a green body and a striking head colouration of blue, black, yellow and red. The juvenile tends to be duller, with a less defined head … Continued
Barbets are primary cavity nesters, or most of them are. They thus nest in freshly excavated cavities that they dig from rotting tree trunks and branches. This is one of a few groups of birds that are able to excavate … Continued
